Law Drafter

Law drafters in the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) support the Government and other public service agencies in drafting Singapore’s laws. They also advise on the development and translation of public policies into legislation.

Law Drafter Job Description

Advise the Government and public sector agencies in developing legislative proposals.

Draft all Government Bills and Subsidiary Legislation, which includes regulations, rules, and orders that are essential for the implementation of the primary legislation.

Assist the Government during the legislative process for the passing of Bills.

Update and modernise written laws.

Review existing legislation to ensure consistency and coherence with new Bills.

Perform in-depth Legal research to ensure that new legislation or amendments to existing laws are consistent with the Constitution, current Legal standards and international law.

Evaluate public policy proposals to assess their legality and practicality.

Note

Law Drafters have been introducing more illustrations and examples in law! They have also been drafting more comprehensive explanatory statements to help people understand the text of the Bill being proposed. Plain English is also used for drafting where possible!

What you should know about Law Drafter jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

You’ll work closely with the Government & agencies, analysing policy ideas and advising on effective legislative solutions, then translating them.

Key Advice

In every piece of legislation, you’ll need to work as a team. It requires collaboration between Law Drafters and the Government Ministry’s Legislation Project team.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Minimally, you would require a bachelor's degree in Law or equivalent. You must also pass Part A of the Singapore Bar Examinations and be a “qualified person” as defined in the Legal Profession Act/ the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules.

Experience in Legal practice, particularly in areas related to Public Administration, Legal research and any form of legislative work, is highly beneficial.

Proficiency in Legal writing and communicating complex Legal concepts clearly and effectively.

Familiarity with Parliamentary procedures and the intricacies of government operations can be a plus.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Law Drafter career in Singapore

Hard Skills

General Knowledge of Local Legal System

Essential for understanding and applying laws within the specific context of Singapore.

Knowledge of Government Policy & Processes

Crucial for navigating Singapore's legislative framework & policy-making environment.

Analytical Skills

Important for dissecting complex Legal issues and ensuring the law is clear and applicable.

Drafting Skills

Fundamental for creating precise Legal documents that are free from ambiguity and enforceable.

Soft Skills

Creative Problem-Solving

Enables the Drafter to find innovative solutions within the confines of the law.

Communication

Essential for articulating Legal concepts clearly to both Legal professionals and the public.

Critical Thinking

Vital for evaluating laws and policies critically to ensure they serve the public interest effectively.

Collaboration

Important for working with different stakeholders, such as Legal teams, Policymakers & Government Officials.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are Law Drafters' jobs done once a Bill is passed into Law?

Law Drafters continue to work with the Ministry’s Bill team after the Bill is passed to ensure that the Law goes into effect smoothly.

Subsidiary legislation (written Law made by Ministers, Government agencies or statutory boards) is often required for the Act to be operational. Subsidiary legislation is made under the parent statute.

Law Drafters commonly advise the Ministry or statutory board on implementing new laws after enactment.
Who ensures that the laws of Singapore are accessible to everyone?

It is part of the Singapore Statutes Online's mission to make the laws of Singapore accessible to everyone! The Singapore Statutes Online is a free Singapore Law database that the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) Legislation Division provides. It is also regularly updated whenever amendments are made.
How do Law Drafters ensure the clarity and effectiveness of legislative language?

Law Drafters ensure clarity and effectiveness by using precise and unambiguous language, structuring legal provisions logically, and considering the practical implications and enforceability of the proposed legislation.
What is the process behind passing a Bill?

A Minister of Parliament will propose a Bill which is read and debated in Parliament during the first reading. It will go through a few readings before a vote of approval is given. The Bill will proceed to the President for assent.
How do Law Drafters come up with a Bill to draft?

Law Drafters engage in consultations with various stakeholders affected who are knowledgeable about the policy issue. This helps gather diverse perspectives and identify potential challenges.